Mount Mercedario

What adventurer could resist an assault on Mount Mercedario, one of the Americas’ highest mountains?

The highest peak of the Cordillera de la Ramada range, and the eighth highest Andean peak, this snow-capped mountain towers over the surrounding volcanic plains.

Mount Mercedario was first conquered by a Polish expedition in 1934. Today, you can climb the mountain as part of a guided excursion complete with porters, mules, base camp lodging, meals and English-speaking mountain guides.

Altitude sickness can be an issue at these heights, so it’s important to acclimatize yourself by basing yourself in the town of Barreal for a day or two, four hours from Mendoza, before heading to the trailhead.

Practical Info

Mount Mercedario is in the Andes of western Argentina near the border with Chile. Soaring 6,720m (22,047 feet) in height, the mountain is 100km (62 miles) north of Aconcagua in San Juan Province.